Shakespeare presented Richard III as a hunchback, a view which is not supported by evidence though one shoulder was higher than the other.

Shakespeare presented Richard III as a hunchback, a view which is not supported by evidence though one shoulder was higher than the other.

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In 2012, an archaeological excavation was conducted on a city council car park on the site once occupied by Greyfriars, Leicester. The University of Leicester confirmed on 4 February 2013 that a skeleton found in the excavation was, beyond reasonable doubt, that of Richard III, based on a combination of evidence from radiocarbon dating, comparison with contemporary reports of his appearance, and a comparison of his mitochondrial DNA with two matrilineal descendants of Richard III's eldest sister, Anne of York.

Biography

British royalty, the youngest son of Richard, Duke of York, and the last Yorkist king of England. Through history, accounts have named him as a monster of unparalled villainy, though some historians are less convinced of this portrayal. Upon the death of Edward IV on 4/09/1483 OS, he was named protector of 12-year-old Edward V and he took the young king and his 9-year-old brother into custody. When the two young lords disappeared, Richard was considered responsible. He usurped power, taking the throne on 6/26/1483 OS and ruled until he was slain in battle at Bosworth, Leicestershire on 8/22/1485 OS.

Shakespeare presented Richard III as a hunchback, a view which is not supported by evidence though one shoulder was higher than the other.

In 2012, an archaeological excavation was conducted on a city council car park on the site once occupied by Greyfriars, Leicester. The University of Leicester confirmed on 4 February 2013 that a skeleton found in the excavation was, beyond reasonable doubt, that of Richard III, based on a combination of evidence from radiocarbon dating, comparison with contemporary reports of his appearance, and a comparison of his mitochondrial DNA with two matrilineal descendants of Richard III's eldest sister, Anne of York.